Acne Coverage: Google Your Way to Clear Skin Secrets

by Teen Vogue

From age 14, I was plagued by a complexion that was less than perfect. I was never overly self-conscious about it --I didn't wake up early to apply copious amounts of cover-up and foundation, like some girls I knew. I went to a dermatologist, and tried a variety of medications to treat my acne. By the time I entered college, my skin was virtually clear, but at age 20, my complexion randomly regressed back to its early adolescent state. Tired of skin doctor visits and pills, I combed the internet for a solution and discovered acne.org, a website with a specific regimen of cleansing and medicating (with inexpensive over-the-counter products, including benzoyl peroxide) that actually cleared up my skin within two weeks!

Now, there's a new website, AcneRumorControl.com, that is
attempting to de-mystify the misconceptions about acne and help teens
learn how to resolve their skin problems. I met with Lyndsey Rodrigues,
the adorable Australian host of MTV's TRL, who's launching the website,
along with dermatologist, Dr. Hilary Baldwin. Lyndsey told me about her
"mortifying" experience of suffering from acne twice, at ages 16 and
22. She lost her self-confidence and spent loads of money on different
products, to no avail. She finally saw a dermatologist and began using
Differin 0.3 percent, a medicated ointment that can clear up and
prevent acne. Her skin truly looks gorgeous (and not just on camera).

At AcneRumorControl.com teens can submit 30-second videos discrediting
myths about acne. The winner will receive a luxe trip to Manhattan and
a dinner date with Lyndsey. The website works to connect teens and to
increase their awareness that acne does not have to be an inevitable
phase of growing up. According to Dr. Baldwin, 40% of teens with acne
in the US should be seeing dermatologists (but only about 11 percent
do). With health insurance, a trip to the dermatologist is inexpensive,
and even without insurance, Lyndsey urges that the cost is worth it,
since teens often spend more money on ineffective products at the
pharmacy.

Personally, I think it's important to avoid oral antibiotics unless you
suffer from more serious inflammations, but seeing a dermatologist can
definitely work wonders. Try the acne.org regimen with benzoyl peroxide
too (it worked for me). Don't give up!